Present Perfect dos and don’ts.

1. Don’t give a time when you use the PP.

“I have been to Cheju Island when I was a kid.”

“I have seen Showgirls when I was in the army.”

“Last year, I have eaten dog stew.”

Q: What did you do last summer?”

A: I have played Starcraft.”

2. Do use the simple past when you are talking about a definite time.

“I went to Cheju Island last year.”

“I saw Showgirls when I was in the army.”

“Last year, I ate dog stew.”

Q: What did you do last summer?”

A: I played Starcraft.”

3. Don’t tell a story with the PP.

“I have been to Canada. I have met many interesting people there. I have seen the Rocky Mountains. I have gone skiing. I have made a lot of friends, etc.”

4. Do use the P.P. to introduce an experience. Then use the simple past.

“I have been to Canada. I met many interesting people there. I saw the Rocky Mountains. I went skiing. I made a lot of friends, etc.”

5. Don’t use ever in an answer or sentence.

“I have ever been to France.” (“I’ve been to France”)

“Yes, I have ever done that.” (“Yes, I’ve done that”)

6. Do use ever in questions.

“Have you ever been to Pusan?”

“Have you ever failed a test?”

7. Don’t use ever when you ask about a recent experience (ever means anytime in your life).

“Have you ever eaten lunch?” (“Have you eaten lunch?”)

“Have you ever seen Mission Impossible 2?” (“Have you ever seen Matrix2?”)

8. Do use ever when you ask about experiences that could have happened anytime.

“Have you ever broken your arm?”

“Have you ever seen The Godfather?”